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Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Announcing a very Lively collection & some sister-love!

I have always struggled with what to give as a gift to my siblings, especially as we've grown older and sadly, farther apart - in both distance and in our relationships with each other. My sister, Sally, is 16 months older than me, so many people often thought we were twins. My mother always dressed us alike, did our hair the same, etc., so it was confusing, at times to tell who was Sally and who was Sammy. We love each other at the core because we have gone through so many defining moments in our childhood together, and we have plenty of good memories to look back on.

At any rate, Sally's birthday is at the end of June, and for the first time in a few years, I am actually prepared to send her a thoughtful, handmade gift. It's not flashy or expensive, the idea came straight from my heart. My sister has always been a very "Lively" person - friendly, a cheerleader/drill team member, loved by everyone, friends with many groups, etc...and she did it in her own way. I choose "Lively" for my project because of the bright colors, the energy and vibrance they elude, and because the theme of the collection is to live your life, enjoy the simple moments, and to celebrate living, every day!

When I sat down in the craft room, I instantly wanted to make my sister a gift she could enjoy more than just on her actual birthday. Since she is turning 32, I decided to alter a simple dollar-store jar to hold 32 little handmade cards and write something I like/love/admire about her. Hopefully she will read them a day at a time, and perhaps on one of the down-days we all have, my little hand-written memory will lift her spirits and make her smile.

For the tag attached to the front of the jar, I used layered 3x4 pieces of patterned paper as a base and then I junked it up with the Petite Type alphabet stickers from the 12x8 "Elements" as well as the little "my favorite" sticker and the pointing finger sticker from the 12x12 "Details" sheet.

For the top of the jar, I used a technique taught to me by DT member Janeen - creating little rosettes is so easy and they look absolutely adorable adhered to the top of the glass.

Each little card (there are 32 total) has a compliment, a thank you, a memory, or something I admire about my big sister. I used all of the papers from the collection, the texture and weight made them feel so substantial and long-lasting, I know they will withstand the test of time, and I dearly hope she saves this sentiment forever!

Ta da! All finished and ready to be packed up and sent off so she receives her present ON her actual birthday! As an adult, it's hard to figure out what to get/give your friends for gifts or special occasions, and this idea really came full circle with our new "Lively" collection.

Oh...of course, I had to make a matching birthday card, using the 12x8 un-coated stickers, which inked beautifully, may I add...and they added the perfect little touch to off set my not-so-great handwriting! One of my favorite quotes I pulled from the 12x12 sticker "Details" sheet and placed it on the back of the card.

So...we are pleased to introduce you to another new collection from Authentique Paper, "Lively"

12x12 "Details" un-coated adhesive cardstock stickers

12x8 "Elements" un-coated adhesive cardstock stickers

6x6 "Bundle" - 36 sheets, each with a coordinating solid color on the back!

Sam, how sweet!! This is a perfect gift for your sister - she'll love it! OK..out of all the collections (I think I have all; just bought two more from Creative Cuts & Crafts in Elmhurst IL - finally got out there!) - this is my favorite! The story behind it and your sister's personality sounds familiar....maybe because we're both June babies! LOL!! This will be my next acquisition! HA! Can't wait to see you all at CHA :)

Happy birthday to your sister! I know she will love and appreciate your thoughtful gift. I really like the colors in this new collection and of course the uplifting messages. Thanks for the chance to win!-Suzanne

What a wonderful gift and so very personal. Gorgeous, gorgeous papers in this new Lively collection. Love the bright colors and just looking at it makes me get a great big smile. Can't wait for the release.

I LOVE the idea you had for your sister, I am sure she will absolutely love it!!!!! It is so much better than "just" a card, I just hope she doesn't see this and have her wonderful surprise ruined! I love your paper lines and everything that goes with them....release after release!!

I love the idea of this jar....it would totally be a cute for a teacher's gift.And I just love the colors and patterns of the new collection "Lively". Cannot wait to get my hands on--hopefully sooner than later ;)~Kerri

I think I "NEED" this collection. It is so lovely. My older sister is only 10 months older than I am and everyone thought we were always twins. (Especially since we were the same age for 2 months.) My mom dressed us alike, just in different colors. What a wonderful and thoughtful gift for your sister.

What an awesome project! My sister and I are 2 1/2 years apart and somehow people always thought we were twins. Weird. So we played it up and would try to dress similarly on holidays. Great collection!

Love your sweet little affirmation jar and I know your sister is going to love it too! This new Lively collection is so yummy...love the mix of brights, pinks and brown. This is something I would use A LOT!

What a wonderful and thoughtful gift! I may have to use your idea for my sister's birthday. We are 13 months apart and also shared everything growing up. She now lives 2000 miles away and we try to see each other at least annually. I'll be just a little more challenged since she is turning 50!

Oh What a wonderful and thoughtful gift for your sister. Love how you used the color papers to create your memories on and the tags and embellishments you used. This is a fantastic collection that any of us would love to win.

Sometimes....we extend our hearts and allow ourselves another chance....to re-introduce ourselves to someone we love and cherish....it takes a special thought, gesture, or personal touch...reminding ourselves as well as the one intended....that we are all human, we all make mistakes and when all is said and done....we want warmth from the ones we love. "Lively" is a great way to show that to your sister...sounds like a fitting phrase for someone that has never really left your being....remembering always....when the heart and mind are connected.....the heart...knows no distance...:o) I am sure she will be pleased.

What a thoughtful and beautiful gift for your sister! I also love to make altered projects for my family. I just altered 2 wood cigar boxes for my father and father in law for Fathers Day. The new collection is lovely, a very soothing color palette and versatile designs. Thanks for the chance to win!

I'm terribly sorry but I seem to have drooled alyl over your blog-but I just couldn't help myself! Your project is so beautiful, such a sweet idea, and those papers are gorgeous, I cannot wait to see it in person! Ok clean up on aisle 7!

I'm terribly sorry but I seem to have drooled alyl over your blog-but I just couldn't help myself! Your project is so beautiful, such a sweet idea, and those papers are gorgeous, I cannot wait to see it in person! Ok clean up on aisle 7!

I'm terribly sorry but I seem to have drooled alyl over your blog-but I just couldn't help myself! Your project is so beautiful, such a sweet idea, and those papers are gorgeous, I cannot wait to see it in person! Ok clean up on aisle 7!

love the papers and how you used them for your sister ...i will surly have to do this for my sister some day ...i also want to use this collection to make her a book for her new grand baby ...i can see so many uses for it ...